USDA grant helps Kite Hill Vineyards expand production

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Jackson Growth Alliance has received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to help Kite Hill Vineyards expand its wine production, according to an Oct. 2 news release.

The Rural Business Development Grant supports new equipment for the female-owned winery, a member of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

With the equipment, the winery has increased annual production from 2,000–2,400 gallons to more than 8,000 gallons, the alliance said. The expansion allows the business to meet new demand and produce wine for other Illinois wineries.

Barbara Bush has owned Kite Hill Vineyards since 2006. The winery produces handcrafted wines from grapes grown in the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.

“This project is a great example of how the Rural Business Development Grant program helps small rural businesses grow,” said Darrell Bryant, executive director of Jackson Growth Alliance. “We’re proud to help retain and expand a business that contributes to Jackson County’s economic vitality.”

Jackson Growth Alliance leads projects, grants and partnerships supporting business and community development in Jackson County.

The release did not specify the grant amount.